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Truth: The LACMA Muse Costume Ball, held at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, manages to be swanky without being stuffy. Don't let the name throw you -- it isn't a ball for muses (although there may be a few in attendance); rather, Muse is a group for younger LACMA members and artists.

And while this collective naturally supports the more traditional lectures and talks and films at the museum, a few times each year the members like to get gussied up, get down and get funky. The fabulous result? The Costume Ball, which is happening on October 31st -- that's easy to remember -- at the Wilshire-based museum.

You'll want to know the 2009 theme. We like a good theme, and this one has a solid tie-in to a current LACMA exhibit. Heroes & Villains is the banner of the night, and attendees are invited to look to the on-now exhibit, which celebrates Indian comic books, for inspiration.

Voxhaul Broadcast and DJ Kim Anh will provide the tunes while writer Gotham Chopra talks about his comic "Kali: Mistress of Death" before images from the book.

Sassy or Trashy: Halloween Costumes

There's a red carpet to strut, an outlandish costume contest to enter and loads of stylish people to delight, impress and even make a pinch jealous. In short, when you put together your outfit, skip the grungy, ripped wear from years past and doll up with vintage baubles, sequins, beauty marks, cravats and leather pants. That's right, leather, not pleather.

One last thing. One last major thing. Open bar. Look for Pernod, as well as beer, wine, and teas, to be on the pour.